Lovely Leitrim

County Leitrim offers lush landscapes with magnificent mountains overlooking tranquil lakes. This Irish county may not be on many tourists’ radars, but trust me the scenery in Leitrim is simply spectacular.

Leitrim’s county crest or coat of arms consists of a lion above three fountains, with a green background.

I believe these water symbols reflect the many lakes and waterways of County Leitrim.

And so without further ado, let me take you on a quick photographic tour of this lovely part of Ireland.

Glencar Waterfall:

Leitrim’s neighbor, County Sligo, may be more famous internationally because of its association with the poet W.B. Yeats, but Leitrim is not short on spectacular scenery to rival all its neighbors. Yeats frequently visited Leitrim on his trips to the northwest.

The most renowned spot in the county is Glencar Waterfall. This 50 foot falls was immortalized by Yeats in his poem “The Stolen Child.”

“Where wandering water gushes,

From the hills above Glencar,

In pools above the rushes,

That scarce would bathe a star.”

Lakes and Waterways:

County Leitrim is dotted with picturesque lakes nestled in glacial valleys beneath its many mountains.

Castles:

Built by Sir Frederick Hamilton in 1634 during the plantation of Leitrim, Manorhamilton Castle was his baronial mansion.

Unfortunately, Hamilton was a bit of a tyrant and was known to be fond of hanging his foes. The native Irish did not take kindly to their castle owning neighbor, so they burned Hamilton’s fortress to the ground in 1652.

Picturesque Towns and Villages:

Jamestown, a village of historic significance along the shores of the River Shannon, was once a walled and fortified town built to protect the “planters” who came there to settle from England and Scotland. The wild Irish who lived around the town, were none too pleased to have their lands confiscated. One of the gates is still standing.

The remains of an old Fraciscan Friary can also be visited in the town.

Ireland’s leading organic farming and gardening education center is located near this little village and attracts many visitors every year.

County Leitrim Tourism:

And so I hope our quick little tour today will tempt you to someday travel the highways and byways of County Leitrim. Whether you choose to explore by car, bus, bike or on foot, Leitrim is a beautiful corner of Ireland just waiting for you.

Hi Irishannie – I’m so glad this little blog post introduced you to this beautiful part of Ireland. It’s off the well beaten tourist track, but the perfect place to get away from summer crowds.
All the best,
Mairéad